A multi-phase electric machine may include a stator, and a rotor for rotating within the stator, the rotor including poles having combination magnet pieces with varying strengths and dimensions creating a non-sinusoidal back EMF. In one aspect, a multi-phase electric machine may include a stator, and a rotor for spinning within the stator, the rotor includes a plurality of poles having magnet assemblies includes at least a low strength magnet and a high strength magnet therein for creating a non-sinusoidal back EMF. In other aspects, a multi-phase electric machine of the present disclosure includes a stator, and a rotor for spinning within the stator, the rotor including a plurality of poles having magnet assemblies includes at least a first magnet and second magnet therein for creating a non-sinusoidal back EMF wherein a strength ratio of the first magnet and second magnet greater than the absolute value of 1.